Chris Evans Quits 'Top Gear'

Los Angeles: TV presenter Chris Evans has quit BBC's popular show Top Gear.

The presenter announced he would be hanging up his driving gloves after just six episodes of the rebooted motoring show, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that's not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best," Evans, 50, tweeted.

Evans' announcement came on the same day it was confirmed that he was being investigated by police over allegations of sexual assault.

He was announced as the Top Gear host just over a year ago, taking over from Jeremy Clarkson, whose contract wasn't renewed after he punched a producer. He was later joined by former Friends star Matt LeBlanc in a tactical move seen at extending the show's international reach.

But since the rebooted series first returned to screens in May, it has been hit with growing criticism, most notably for its falling ratings. Elsewhere, the show quickly become a regular target of British tabloids, which have published reports on a growing rift between Evans and LeBlanc. Last week, it was reported that LeBlanc was planning to quit should Evans not leave first.

In a statement, the BBC suggested that the show would be returning without Evans, but didn't announce a successor or indicate whether the other hosts would remain. "Chris is stepping down from his duties on Top Gear. He says he gave it his best shot doing everything he could to make the show a success," said Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios.

"He firmly believes that the right people remain, on both the production team and presenting team, to take the show forward and make it the hit we want it to be."